Trent Alexander-Arnold denied dream Real Madrid shirt number as La Liga rule gets in way

Trent Alexander-Arnold will have to say goodbye to his beloved No. 66 when he arrives at He made the number iconic during his many years at having worn it throughout his entire time at the club.

From his early days at Liverpool to , the right-back has always sported this unique number. He will be leaving the two digits behind at Anfield, as well as his Liverpool shirt, when he moves to the Spanish capital. to sign the 26-year-old a month ahead of schedule, ensuring he can participate in the Club World Cup for Xabi Alonso's squad. Although his contract with Anfield was set to run until June 30, he will be introduced by the La Liga titans on June 1. However, when he unveils his new Real Madrid kit, it won't feature his familiar No. 66.

This is due to La Liga regulations prohibiting players from wearing any number higher than 25. The only exception to this rule applies to youth players. Currently, Alexander-Arnold's new defensive team-mate Raul Asencio has been granted permission to wear No. 35. Only the numbers 12, 24, and 25 are currently unclaimed.

The No. 2 jersey, typically worn by a team's primary right-back, is presently held by Real veteran Dani Carvajal. However, the No. 10, No. 17, and No. 18 jerseys, currently worn by Luka Modric, Lucas Vasquez, and Jesus Vallejo, may become available as their contracts are set to expire this summer.

Modric's departure has been confirmed, with the former Tottenham Hotspur midfielder set to leave following the Club World Cup. Alexander-Arnold has inked a six-year deal that will see him remain at the club until 2031.

His contract also includes a staggering buy-out clause of €1bn (£840m). On 5 May, he announced his departure from Liverpool at the end of his contract, shortly after the Reds clinched the Premier League title.

Despite initial expectations that Liverpool would not receive any compensation due to the Bosman ruling, they have managed to benefit from Real Madrid's eagerness to include him in the Club World Cup. It is understood that Real Madrid will fork out £8.4m to the Merseyside club, with the total package amounting to £10m after covering the defender's wages for the final month of his contract.

When Alexander-Arnold announced he was leaving, the news was met with considerable hostility from Liverpool fans. After being substituted on during the Reds' subsequent 2-2 draw against Arsenal, boos and jeers could be heard throughout Anfield.

However, during the final match of the season, when Liverpool drew 1-1 with Crystal Palace, the reception for Alexander-Arnold was more positive. As he bid farewell to the fans, he was visibly emotional and was seen weeping with his family on the pitch.

He will have some time to familiarise himself with his new surroundings before making his debut. On 18 June, Real Madrid are set to face Al-Hilal in the group stage of the Club World Cup, followed by further matches against Pachuca and Red Bull Salzburg.